The Murder of Janice David
On April 18, 2022, Janice David was murdered by Earl Lee Johnson Jr. He stabbed and choked Janice while live streaming on Facebook.
Background
Police believe that Janice David and Earl Lee Johnson were on a three- or four-day drug binge at the time the murder occurred. It is unclear the full extent of the relationship between the victim and the killer
Johnson was released from prison in January 2022, after being sentenced to serve 15 years in 2007 for armed robbery.
Murder
According to the police, a person who was on Facebook came across a gruesome live video. A woman was being beaten and stabbed in a car. The individual notified Facebook, who notified state police in Louisiana, who then notified East Baton Rouge officers. Officers in the area started investigating and located the vehicle around 9:52 p.m. on April 18, 2022, in the parking lot of the Sherwood Tower, 3636 S. Sherwood Forest Boulevard.
Inside the vehicle, then found Jane David. She was bound with jumper cables to the steering wheel. According to police, Johnson had stabbed, beat, and choked Janice. The cause of death has not been determined at this time; an autopsy is pending.
Car Theft
After killing Janice, Johnson tried to set the vehicle she was in on fire. He then fled and stole another vehicle. The owner of the vehicle reported it as stolen, and the police put out a BOLO. The vehicle Johnson stole was located soon after. Johnson led police on a short pursuit before he was apprehended around 5:25 p.m. on April 19, 2022.
At the time of the arrest for the stolen vehicles, investigators were unaware that Johnson was the person responsible for the murder that had taken place. They quickly linked him to the crime and questioned him. Johnson confessed that he had killed her.
Charges
Earl Lee Johnson is being charged with first degree murder. He is being held without bail, awaiting court proceedings.
